Do you tile walls before or after fitting a bathroom?
Are you wondering whether to tile the walls before or after fitting the bathroom suite? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are clear advantages to doing things in a particular order. This blog will guide you through the best approach, why timing matters, the potential pitfalls of getting it wrong, and how experienced Portsmouth bathroom fitters can help you achieve a flawless finish. Let’s get started.
When Should You Tile During a Bathroom Renovation?
Timing is everything when it comes to tiling your bathroom walls. Ideally, tiling should be done after most of the bathroom fittings are in place. This method ensures a more accurate, seamless finish, saving you from unnecessary headaches down the road.
Why It’s Best to Tile After Fitting
When you tile after installing major fixtures like the bath, sink, and toilet, you create a cleaner, more professional look. By fitting these elements first, you avoid the need to drill through your brand-new tiles to secure fittings – reducing the risk of cracked tiles or messy grout lines. Plus, it’s easier to measure and cut tiles around the existing fixtures, ensuring a snug fit.
But what if you tile first? Well, if you tile an entire wall before fitting, there’s a chance that the final result won’t line up perfectly. You might end up with gaps between the tiles and the bathroom suite or find that the tiles don’t quite reach the fixtures – and that’s not a look you want!
The Problems with Tiling Too Early or Too Late
Tiling at the wrong stage can cause a few hiccups, which is why it’s crucial to get the timing right. Let’s take a look at the potential issues of jumping the gun or leaving it too late.
Tiling Too Early
If you tile too early, there’s a risk that the tiles could be damaged during the fitting process. Picture this: you’ve just installed your beautiful new tiles, and the plumber accidentally knocks one while installing the bath. Suddenly, you’re left with a chipped tile, an uneven surface, or – worst-case scenario – a cracked tile that needs replacing. That’s more time, effort, and money down the drain!
Additionally, tiling before fitting can make it difficult to secure your bathroom fixtures properly. It’s far easier to install fittings onto a flat, un-tiled wall, allowing for a much stronger and more secure fit.
Tiling Too Late
On the flip side, waiting until every single fitting is in place can also cause problems. You might struggle to get tiles into awkward spaces or find yourself cutting and trimming excessively to make them fit. It’s a fiddly job, and it often results in an untidy finish that lacks that professional polish. That’s why tiling after the major fittings are installed – but before the smaller elements are added – strikes the perfect balance.
How to Get the Best Finish with Tiling
If you want your bathroom to look like something out of a glossy magazine, it’s all about the details. Here’s how to achieve that sleek, sophisticated finish you’re after.
Preparation
Before you even think about picking up a tile, make sure your walls are prepped and ready. They should be clean, smooth, and free of any cracks or bumps. This is especially important in older bathrooms, where walls may have seen a few decades of wear and tear. Skipping this step could result in uneven tiles and a less-than-perfect finish.
Use the Right Tools and Materials
Investing in high-quality adhesive, grout, and tiles will make a huge difference to the final result. Cheap materials might seem like a good idea at the time, but they’re more likely to crack, fade, or come loose over time. You don’t want to be re-tiling your bathroom in six months, do you?
Take Your Time
It’s tempting to rush the process, especially when you’re so close to seeing the finished product. But trust us – taking your time is worth it. Measure everything carefully, apply adhesive evenly, and use spacers to maintain straight lines. It might feel like a slow process, but it’s the best way to ensure a flawless finish.
As property expert Phil Spencer puts it, “The difference between a good tiling job and a great one is often down to patience and attention to detail.”
Why It’s Best to Trust a Professional with Your Tiling
You might be tempted to take on the tiling yourself, especially if you’re aiming to save a few quid. But the reality is, tiling isn’t as straightforward as it looks. A professional touch can make all the difference – and that’s where experienced Portsmouth bathroom fitters come in.
Precision and Expertise
Tiling is all about precision. A professional fitter will know how to measure accurately, cut tiles to the perfect size, and apply adhesive in just the right amount. They’ll also have the experience to tackle any tricky areas, like corners, alcoves, or those annoying bits around the toilet and sink.
Avoid Costly Mistakes
There’s nothing worse than stepping back to admire your handiwork, only to realise you’ve misjudged the spacing, or there’s a rogue tile that just won’t sit flush. Hiring a professional means you’re less likely to encounter these issues, saving you both time and money in the long run.
A Flawless Finish
Let’s be honest – nothing beats a flawless, professionally finished bathroom. A skilled bathroom fitter will leave you with smooth grout lines, perfectly aligned tiles, and a watertight seal that’s built to last. And isn’t that exactly what you want?
As interior designer Linda Barker once said, “Tiling is the one area where a professional finish can make or break a bathroom. It’s worth investing in an expert.”
Wrapping Up
So, should you tile your walls before or after fitting your bathroom? The answer is clear – tiling should be done after most of the major fittings are in place but before the final touches. This method ensures a seamless, polished finish that looks professional and stands the test of time. And while you might be tempted to DIY, it’s worth calling in the experts – like experienced Portsmouth bathroom fitters – to ensure your bathroom looks its best.
Looking for someone to install your bathroom? Prowess Developments are ready to help! Just reach out to speak to your friendly Bathroom Fitters and schedule your FREE consultation. We’ll go through where you’re at, where you want to get to and whether we’re a good fit. Call 07878380036 or fill in this form to get started!